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Johns Creek council moves to pursue preservation steps, limited GPR testing at Macedonia Cemetery
Summary
After hearing that prior studies were mostly visual, the council directed staff to pursue due diligence, consult descendants and preservation partners, and consider a limited ground-penetrating radar (GPR) test to assess possible unmarked graves at Macedonia Cemetery.
Council member Skinner presented an update on Macedonia Cemetery on Dec. 9, reviewing past visual surveys by New South Associates and Georgia Department of Transportation materials and noting that those studies did not include comprehensive remote sensing. Skinner and residents urged additional work to protect potentially unmarked graves before any earth-disturbing work.
Skinner cited text from earlier reports that "visual reconnaissance" is common but that unmarked burials are often discovered in pre‑emancipation African American cemeteries. She said the strategic plan referenced previous studies and recommended preservation. "The assumed Macedonia Cemetery burial area currently delineated by an aluminum fence ... has been assessed by New South and Associates and archaeologists from Georgia Department of Transportation," Skinner said.
Council then took a phone briefing from Jeff Polzin, chief operating officer of Nelson Intelligence Solutions, who explained how ground-penetrating radar works and its limits. "GPR is a completely noninvasive view of what's happening under the soil," Polzin said. He cautioned GPR is not 100% conclusive for very old, decomposed remains, but it is the only widely available non‑disturbing method to identify anomalies that may indicate graves; excavation or coring are the only alternatives.
Polzin described a practical, low-cost control test: scan a known grave to capture a comparative signature, then survey adjacent open areas for anomalies. Council members discussed whether tree removal or moving the fence would be necessary and whether staff should engage a preservation specialist to lead implementation. Several councilors said the city lacks in-house historic-preservation expertise and recommended retaining a preservationist to guide GPR and any follow-up work.
The council directed staff to proceed with due diligence: engage descendants and the Johns Creek Historical Society, consult a preservationist to guide implementation, and consider a short (one-day) GPR control test to inform next steps. Council members emphasized they do not want any earth-disturbing work without verification that graves are not present.
No excavation was authorized at the work session; staff will return with next steps, partner input and a plan for limited remote sensing if recommended.
